Request ID: FOI-4481-2324 Date published: 28 March 2024
You asked
Following the appeal regarding the unsatisfactory response to FOI request 212-2324, I am writing as suggested to try to give greater detail about the information I am seeking.
Having little experience of these matters, I am unsure how to ensure that my request actually results in receiving the precise information I am looking for - especially given that public bodies seem intent on revealing as little as practicably possible in response to FOI requests, whilst still technically fulfilling their obligations.
The information I am seeking relates to the position of Line Information Specialist within London Underground. I am trying to find out exactly what duties or responsibilities within that role resulted in the position being awarded such a high salary. This is of particular relevance given the financial constraints that TfL finds itself under.
Given that the role itself requires no particular qualifications, skills, knowledge or experience, requires minimal training, has no responsibility for staff management, has no financial responsibility for managing budgets or expenditure, has no customer-facing aspect, has no safety-critical aspect, and the consequences of doing the job badly or not at all are negligible - it is difficult to understand why the position attracts a considerably higher salary than more responsible roles. The main responsibility is regurgitating service updates of dubious accuracy and usefulness (information already available via TfL's website) to an internal audience.
If there is no satisfactory response or justification forthcoming - whether through my inability to ask the right questions or through obstruction, then perhaps approaching the London Assembly members with a view to getting the Mayor to respond would be the next logical step?
I look forward to hearing from you.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-4481-2324
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on4 March 2024 asking for information about the role of Line Information Specialist. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Please see the attached document which provides information on the duties and responsibilities as well as the skills, knowledge and experience required for the specified role in the job description attached.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Abidakun FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
